Holiday Cheer, Not Holiday Fear: Your Guide to Keeping Pets Safe This Season
By Bobbi Jo Aune, Hobo’s Healing Heart Board Member
The holidays are all about twinkling lights, delicious food, and festive chaos—and if you’re a pet parent, you know our furry friends love joining in the fun. But between the décor, treats, and extra activity, the season can also deliver a sleigh-load of hazards. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back (and your pet’s paws!). Here’s your merry, jolly, pet- safe guide to surviving the holidays without a visit to the emergency vet.
🎄 1. The Delicious Dangers (aka: Don’t Let the Dog Eat Grandma’s Fudge)
Holiday tables overflow with temptation—but many seasonal goodies can make pets seriously sick.
Avoid sharing:
Chocolate (yes, even the fancy peppermint kind)
Grapes & raisins
Onions & garlic (found in almost everything)
Xylitol-sweetened treats
Alcohol
Turkey skin, gravy, and bones
One tiny taste of the wrong ingredient can cause vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, or worse.
Pro tip: Tell guests ahead of time that your pets are on a strict “look but don’t lick” holiday diet.
Echo Aune… is that bone as big as him?
🔌 2. Watch Out for Wires (Because Paws + Chewy Cords = Zap City)
Those dazzling holiday lights? Your pet sees a sparkly new chew toy.
Keep out of reach of pets:
Cords tucked and covered
Batteries up high
Fragile ornaments out of tail range
A chewed wire can lead to burns or electric shock, and broken ornaments can cut mouths and paws.
Prevention = way cheaper than emergency surgery.
🌿🌺 3. Mistletoe, Oh No! (And Holly… and Lilies… and…)
Decking the halls is fun—just make sure the plants don’t deck your pets.
Avoid having these plants in your home:
Mistletoe & holly – can cause stomach issues, heart problems, or worse
Lilies – extremely toxic to cats (even a nibble can cause kidney failure)
Poinsettias – mild but irritating
When in doubt, go faux! Your décor stays beautiful and your pets stay safe.
🎄 4. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree (But Maybe… Don’t)
Your cat thinks it’s Mount Everest. Your dog thinks the ornaments are snacks.
Before decorating:
Secure your tree so it can't topple
Block access to tree water (it’s bacteria soup)
Keep wrapped food gifts off the floor
Skip the tinsel—cats LOVE it, but it can cause life-threatening blockages
Stick to lights and sturdy ornaments. Your vet (and your flooring) will thank you.
KreeMoh Aune… causing mischief?
🕎 5. Candle Caution (Because That Wagging Tail Is a Fire Hazard)
Nothing says holidays like a warm glow—just keep flames far from curious noses.
Never leave unattended:
Menorah candles
Scented jar candles
Window candles
Pets can knock them over in one chaotic zoomie.
💥 6. Loud Noises, Big Feelings
Music, noisemakers, popping champagne, fireworks—fun for us, frightening for pets.
Give your furry friend:
A quiet room
Cozy bedding
Calming toys
White noise if needed
Bonus tip: Never toss confetti around cats—stringy pieces can easily get swallowed.
🗑️ 7. Talkin’ Trash (A Gourmet Buffet… to Them)
Pets will absolutely dumpster-dive if given the chance.
Secure your trash to prevent snacking on:
Bones
Food scraps
Foil
Ribbons
Broken décor
One trash raid can turn into a holiday emergency faster than you can say “leftovers.”
❄️🪩 8. Snow Globes: Cute but Deadly
Many snow globes contain ethylene glycol—the same chemical in antifreeze—and it only takes a few drops to poison a pet.
Keep them high up, and if one breaks, clean it FAST and thoroughly.
🧂9. Salty Hazards
Holiday salt isn’t just on pretzels:
Ice melt can burn paws and cause illness
Salt dough ornaments look tasty but can cause dangerous electrolyte problems
Stick to pet-safe ice melts and skip the salt dough crafts if you have pets who will taste-test anything.
💊 10. Medications: Not a Holiday Snack
Pets love to explore: suitcases, purses, guest bags—you name it.
Remind overnight guests to:
Keep medications in closed cabinets
Never leave pill bottles on nightstands
Keep doors shut
A curious pet + an open guest suitcase = a very scary trip to the vet.
👨👩👧👦 11. Visitors, Noise & Routine Changes (aka: Pet Stress Season)
Holiday guests might be delightful to you, but to pets? Not always.
Help them cope by:
Keeping routines as normal as possible
Offering a quiet “safe zone”
Supervising kids around pets
Keeping ID tags updated and microchips registered
More guests = more chances for escape. Keep an eye on doors!
🚗 12. Extra Holiday Hazards to Keep on Your Radar
Antifreeze – extremely toxic
Space heaters – a knock-over risk
Fireplaces – dogs may chew logs or eat ashes
Cleaning supplies – let surfaces dry before pets explore
Electrical cords – more lights = more chewing temptation
If your pet gets into anything questionable, contact your vet or Pet Poison Helpline immediately.
🎄🕎🌙 Wishing You and Your Pets the Safest, Happiest Holiday Season!
With a little planning, plenty of awareness, and maybe a dog gate or two, you and your furry companions can enjoy a magical, stress-free holiday season full of cuddles—not crises.
Picture courtesy of Active Rain
